NIGERIA: ELECHI COMMUTES 2 DEATH SENTENCES

in Nigeria, Ebonyi State Governor Chief Martin Elechi commuted the death sentences of two prisoners to life sentences. Attorney-General of the state and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Jossy Eze, told newsmen in Abakaliki, while announcing the granting of clemency to the inmates on behalf of the governor, that the governor’s action was in exercise of powers conferred on him by Section 212 of 1999 Constitution. The Commissioner for Justice explained that the gesture was a Christmas and New Year gift to the inmates with the expectation that they would reciprocate with a positive change of heart. He said that the governor performed the duty in full consultation and advice of the State Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, a body also enjoined by law to make such recommendations.